UBC student Megan Winand holding a Columbia spotted frog. (photo credit: Ryley McCormack, MyEastKootenayNow.com staff)
Researchers studying local frogs to learn impacts of wildlife relocation
Throughout this summer, Megan Winand, a graduate student at the University of British Columbia, embarked on a near-daily journey into wetlands armed with an antenna, diligently tracking the sonorous beeps that led her to the elusive Columbia spotted frogs.
Winand stands at the forefront of research aimed at unraveling the repercussions of mitigation translocation, a practice involving the relocation of animals from their original habitat to a new environment that offers equivalent or superior value in comparison to their original habitat. This practice is typically implemented as part of conservation efforts during construction or developmental projects.
One noteworthy instance of mitigation translocation came to the fore in the lead-up to the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver and Whistler. During the expansion of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, more than 1,000 amphibians were painstakingly moved out of the construction zone. Among these remarkable creatures was the red-legged frog, classified as a "species of special concern" in British Columbia. Read more.
University prioritizing tailored approaches for individual student needs
To help support students’ mental health and wellbeing, and reduce the stigma sometimes associated with mental health issues, the University of British Columbia offers a breadth of services and resources on both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. From individual counselling services to workshops, the goal is to support both new and returning students by providing services and resources appropriate to their needs.
“Maintaining mental wellbeing is foundational to supporting the long-term success of students both inside and outside of the classroom,” said UBC’s Associate Vice President, Student Health and Wellbeing, Noorjean Hassam. “UBC is committed to fostering a supportive and sustainable learning environment for students. Nurturing mental health and wellbeing is a key ingredient when it comes to creating a supportive learning environment.” Read more.
Meet the adorable working animals of UBC: From fierce mousers to guiding paws
UBC has thousands of employees, but only a handful of the four-legged variety.
Meet Charlie, Lola, Wilma and Daniel, the beloved “working” animals of UBC who make a paw-sitive impact on the university community. Read more.